Just one more day......
That's what I kept telling myself for the past six months, whenever I found myself on the brink of drowning in my own sorrow.
But I had chosen this path.
I allowed myself to sink into guilt until I could barely breathe.
This room, once a source of comfort and warmth, now felt too cold. Even in the peak of summer, I shivered as I stood on its threshold. It wasn't the weather that chilled me; it was the memories, the coldness of my heart growing with each passing day.
This room used to be filled with life—the vibrant paintings my mom created, family photographs, and trinkets that each held their own stories. The bed used to be adorned with my mom's favorite flowery sheets, and her cupboard was filled with her beloved summer dresses.
She despised winter for she never wanted to part with her cherished summer wardrobe. Now, the twin-sized bed stood empty, devoid of any mattress or flowery sheets. Her cupboard was bare, and the dressing mirror accumulated dust.
The shelf that once held my dad's business books now stood unoccupied. He used to sit in the corner on his recliner, engrossed in reading about the successful strategies of entrepreneurs.
But now, this room was empty, just like my heart.
I stepped inside, placing a storage box on the empty bed. Throughout the night, I tirelessly moved everything out of this room and into storage. Now it was already afternoon, and my body's exhaustion was overpowered by my numb mind.
As I gathered the remaining family photographs, I tried to avoid looking at each one, fearing the surge of emotions they would bring. But I couldn't resist glancing at one specific picture, taken three years ago.
In it, my mom and dad sat on chairs, and I stood behind them, my hands on their shoulders. I had playfully tilted their heads towards me so that they touched my cheeks.
We were all beaming with joy in that picture. My brown eyes sparkled like my mom's, and the flash of the camera caught that essence perfectly.
In that frozen moment of happiness, we were a family full of life and love.
I got startled when my phone's ringtone started echoing in the empty room. Abruptly, I placed the frame inside the box and walked towards the window to answer the call.
"Yes, Ash..."
"I'll be there in one hour," Ashley said in a cheerful voice.
"Okay."
"You're just saying okay? Can't you show some fake enthusiasm?"
She likes to be dramatic. "I'll show you my enthusiasm when you get here."
"You're being a bit cold. Has somebody died or what?" She didn't realize what she had said.
But her words didn't hurt as much as I had expected.
"I'm sorry, Neev. I didn't realize..." She said nervously after a brief silence.
"It's okay, Ash. We'll talk when you're here." I cut the call without waiting for her reply.
I gave a quick glance around to ensure I didn't leave anything, but something caught my eye. Just above the cupboard, there was a black plastic bag. I stepped on a stool to take a closer look. Inside, there was a beautiful printed summer dress—just what Mom used to like. I carried the plastic bag outside and placed it beside the door.
Giving one last glance at the room, I shut the door and locked it hastily, fearing I might change my mind.
I couldn't completely let go of my memories. They would stay with me until I died. I knew it would hurt. But to live, it was necessary to keep them locked away. In my guilt, I was on the verge of destroying myself, something I had already tried in these past six months.
So, that's why I decided to lock my memories here. All of them.
Today was a new start, a new beginning.
I would move on, but I knew I would never forgive myself.
.
.
.
I ran my hand through the georgette material I was wearing—a blue dress adorned with pink and off-white floral prints, featuring a square-shaped neck and puff sleeves. It gracefully reached down to my ankles.
It was the dress I had found in their room.
Just one more day......
Just one more day, I wanted to live with their memories. I'll shut them away completely tomorrow.
The sound of a car's horn caught my attention, signaling that Ash was finally here.
After my midnight chores, I had just taken a shower to wash away all the dust. I grabbed my towel, gently dabbing my wet hair before tossing it onto the nearest chair. With my fingertips running through my hair, I hurried downstairs to greet Ash.
Standing on the porch, my arms crossed around my chest, I spotted a familiar car pulling into the driveway. Surprisingly, Ash emerged from the backseat, indicating that someone else was driving the car.
She waved excitedly in my direction as soon as she saw me. Her knee-length pink dress made her look adorable, and I couldn't help but smile. Without any delay, she ran towards me, her shoulder-length auburn hair bouncing in the air with every step she took.
"I missed you, girl!" She squealed, enveloping me in a bone-crushing hug.
"I missed you too," I replied, tightening my hold around her. Ash was like a breath of fresh air in my life. She always brought out my adventurous side.
"I never thought your parents would allow you to stay with me," I said as she finally let me go. I had to tilt my head to see her face since she was a few inches taller than me.
"Nobody can say no to me," she replied nonchalantly. It was true, though. She was a natural charmer.
"Have you prepared my room, Landlady?" She raised both of her eyebrows playfully, her grey orbs twinkling with mirth.
"I didn't; my tenant is lazy. She hasn't chosen her room yet," I replied. My house had five rooms, one was mine, and another was Mom's—off-limits. That left us with three rooms—one upstairs and two downstairs.
"I'll have a look first, then I'll decide," she declared. "It will be great here, a little far from other houses....so, no nosy neighbors! And we have woods behind the house!" She exclaimed with excitement.
I shook my head at her enthusiasm. "I get the nosy neighbor part...but why are you so happy about the woods behind my house?"
"I'm a nature lover, you know," she dismissed my question with a grin.
Suddenly, the sound of a car door slamming caught my attention. I turned to see a guy standing there, looking in our direction. Ash must have noticed my stare, as she turned around too. When Ash locked eyes with him, he looked away and walked towards the driver of the mini-truck.
"What's up with that truck?" I questioned, my focus still on the stranger. The truck driver and the guy started unloading stuff.
Ash just shrugged her shoulders in response. "A girl can't come empty-handed."
Fair enough, I thought, watching as the stranger effortlessly lifted four heavy boxes in one go.
Damn muscles.
He started walking towards the house, toward us. He was wearing black cargo pants with a white hoodie, and his face was covered with boxes. It was impressive how he managed to walk in the right direction without tripping.
He stopped at the first step of the porch. "Where?" He said just one word, but it sounded so husky that it sent shivers down my spine.
"Leave them in the living room. We'll manage from there," Ash replied in an icy cold tone that left me stunned. Instead of looking at the stranger, I stared at Ash. She never talked to anyone like that. Who was this guy?
Once I was sure the stranger had gone inside, I questioned Ash, "Who is he?"
A look of discomfort flashed across her face, but she concealed it immediately. "A porter," she stated.
"A porter?" I looked at her incredulously. She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly in response, clearly avoiding the main topic.
"A porter...really, Ash. What is this place, a railway station?" I didn't like the fact that she was insulting him.
"Why are you arguing with me because of someone else?" She snapped. "You know what! I need a glass of cold water to calm down." With that, she stomped inside. I wasn't sure if I should follow her or not. It was clear as day that she ran away to avoid answering my questions.
Dramatic much!
I peered inside the house from the main door, feeling somewhat like a thief, when the stranger emerged from the corner. Instinctively, I took two steps back, but at the same moment, he took two steps forward, towards me.
I openly ogled at him. His sapphire eyes were like shining gems in the sunlight, and his thick black hair danced with the wind. He was staring at me just as intensely as I was staring at him.
My focus shifted to his full lips and sharp jawline as he moved them to speak. "Found you," the words came out as a mere whisper.
I would have told myself that I was hearing things if I hadn't seen his lips moving.
I blinked a few times to snap out of my daze. "What?"
Seeming to come out of the same spell, he shook his head slightly. "I mean....I found the space to put the boxes," he pointed towards the corner. "So, you will not have any problem with free space," he added the last part slowly.
"Thank you?" I offered, unsure of what else to say.
He simply nodded and, without saying anything more, walked outside to retrieve the other boxes. Staring at his back for a few more seconds, I sauntered into the living room in search of Ash. She wasn't there nor in the kitchen.
Then, I heard a thud sound from upstairs, and I had an idea of where she was. When I entered the room opposite mine, I saw Ash lifting heavy furniture on her own. She was surprisingly strong for a normal person.
"So, you finally claimed the room," I asked, looking around as she arranged things according to her preference.
"Yeah! It was closer to yours......a good choice...to keep an eye on you and also keep you safe," she justified her choice with a playful tone. I couldn't help but scoff.
Keep me safe, I thought, finding her thoughtfulness amusing. I gave her a mock bow, appreciating her humor.
"Are you sure you want to live here?" I asked as I tried to help her move the cupboard.
"You're asking this right now? College is starting next week. Do you want me to find another place? You mean bitch-" She started to raise her voice.
"Ash, you know what I mean," I cut her off gently.
We managed to put the cupboard in its proper place. She took a deep sigh. "I want to stay here with you. I don't want to leave you alone. Not after you shut down for six months." When I tried to avoid her gaze, she held my hand, standing in front of me. With her four extra inches of height, she towered over me.
"We're eighteen. We're going to get high and drunk for the next four years. And as a landlady, you're the most important part of my plan. So, no more 'leave me alone' drama," she said, trying to lighten the mood.
That was one thing I loved about her the most. I couldn't help but give in to her demands. I met Ashley unexpectedly two years ago. We didn't go to the same high school. We met at a party, where I was slouching alone in a corner when she found me. We instantly clicked and started hanging out randomly. And now, here we were.
Ashley Clell....my one and only friend.
She got distracted when she received a text from someone. "I have to go," she stated abruptly.
"What? Where?" I asked, trying to understand the sudden change of plans.
"Babe, I need to take care of something," she replied while casually dusting off her pink dress.
"What thing?"
"A thing," she said nonchalantly and started walking downstairs. I followed her, feeling puzzled by her evasive answers.
"You just got here, Ash," I protested, staring at her back suspiciously.
"But now I'm leaving." She waved her hand dismissively in the air.
"Ash, you're acting weird," I said, reaching the last step as she turned around.
"Don't bother to cook. I'll bring Chinese food from your favorite restaurant," she declared as if it were the most important thing.
"Ashley!" She picked up her handbag from the sofa, and I continued to stand at the last stair, still glaring at her.
Why was she behaving like this? It wasn't like her to be so cryptic.
She released a frustrated breath upon seeing my reaction. "Don't be mad. I'll be back by eight," she said, giving me a kiss on my right cheek.
I scrunched my nose and rubbed off her kiss playfully. She flashed me a cheeky smile, but our attention was diverted when the stranger put another set of boxes behind the stairs where we were standing.
I had almost forgotten about him.
How much stuff did Ashley bring with her?
She was glaring at his back as he started leaving. It seemed as though he sensed her gaze, and he turned around to look at her.
"When you're done, go straight home. Don't cause any trouble for others," she told him coldly. I noticed a flash of hurt in the stranger's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
Who was this guy? And why was Ashley treating him this way?
Ash waved her hand in my direction and left without waiting for my reply. The stranger followed her outside.
What on earth was going on with these people?
Feeling bewildered, I went back upstairs to my room. The unanswered questions kept nagging at my mind, but for now, I had no choice but to wait for Ashley's return and hope that she would explain her strange behavior.
.
.
.
When I came downstairs after some time, I saw the stranger standing on the porch, looking intently at the heavy rain pouring down. It had been sunny just an hour ago, and now the rain was coming down crazily.
Considering he was still a guest in my house, I made two cups of coffee. I approached him cautiously, unsure how to start a conversation.
However, he must have sensed my presence because he turned around with a soft smile lingering on his lips. There was no surprise in his eyes; it seemed like he was expecting me to be there.
I returned the soft smile.
Without uttering a word, I extended my arm, offering him a coffee mug. But he didn't take it from me; instead, he just stared longingly at the mug.
Was something wrong? Maybe he didn't like coffee.
"I didn't put any poison in it. It's safe. I promise," I joked lamely, trying to break the awkwardness.
His lips curved at my attempt, and finally, he took the mug from my hand. As his fingertips brushed my knuckles, I felt an odd tingling sensation. His face remained stoic, so I must have imagined it. I stood beside him, enjoying the cool wind brushing against my face.
He didn't try to initiate a conversation, so I also remained quiet.
I sneaked a sidelong glance at him. His cheeks were clean-shaven, and when he lifted the coffee mug to his lips, his defined jawline became more prominent. He closed his eyes for a moment as if savoring the taste. I wondered if he liked it or not.
His features were different from Ashley's, so I couldn't assume he was her brother. She didn't talk about her family much, but she once mentioned having a brother, and I had seen his picture before—he was not him.
This stranger appeared to be in his mid-twenties, older than me.
"Are you Ash's relative?" I finally couldn't contain my curiosity and asked. However, he didn't answer, and I sensed his grip on the coffee mug tightening. I feared that I might have asked the wrong question, and I didn't want to make him uncomfortable.
"I'm no one. I'm just a porter," he replied, and I could sense the underlying hurt in his words. He must have heard those words before.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, feeling ashamed for having been a part of that conversation with Ashley. I understood now. Ash had wanted him to hear her words, to insult him. Honestly, I didn't like the feeling of seeing him hurt.
Why was she so persistent in insulting him? What had he done to deserve such treatment?
"Why are you sorry?" His deep voice was laced with curiosity.
I contemplated his question for a few seconds. "For not correcting her." I pretended to be engrossed in watching my plants getting a good shower from the rain in the garden, all the while being aware of the stranger's eyes on my face. He was staring at me keenly, but I acted as though I didn't notice to save us both from further awkwardness.
"Do you live here alone?" His tone was soft, and I glanced up to meet his intense gaze.
Now that I was facing him directly, his gem-like eyes seemed even more intense. He openly studied my face, as if trying to capture every detail. Was I overthinking things? He was just a stranger, after all. Was it safe to tell him that I lived alone, with no one left?
"Ash is staying with me now, so I'm not living alone anymore," I replied honestly, giving away no further details. Both of us seemed to be curious about each other, yet guarded at the same time. We shared a mutual intrigue, but neither of us was willing to divulge too much information.
Why was he staring at me so intently? And why did my heart race in his proximity?
"I should go now," he said in a dark whisper, sending goosebumps up my bare arms. I couldn't tell if it was because of the cold wind or his presence—perhaps a bit of both. I looked into his eyes, and for a moment, it seemed like they switched colors—from sapphire to golden. I blinked hard, and they returned to their original color.
The rain had eased to a light drizzle. "I'll get you an umbrella," I offered.
He didn't deny, so I rushed inside to grab one.
When I returned, he was gone.
The coffee mug lay on the floor, but there was no sign of him. It was as if he had vanished into thin air, as though he had never been there to begin with.
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So, this was first chapter.
I really want to write this book. So,I need some love,support and comments to continue.
One like and comment from you guys can inspire someone.